Inspiration is as close to magic as you can get in life. It's an exquisite high like no other; a flash that makes you believe in yourself. For an instant, the world makes sense. It advances you toward that bridge between over there and where you are. Over there for me is being able to make a living through my passion. Any flash of insight along the journey is an adrenaline rush. Inspiration can pop up in the most unexpected places and times. Even if just for an instant, it becomes a beacon in the dark, a road map to somewhere, a sign that points to uncharted territory, the one puzzle piece that turns the jumbled image into focus. The artist lives for this royal jelly -- the stuff queen bees are fed.

You may wonder what the title of this post has to do with inspiration. A fair question. This morning, I read an article by Kurt Vonnegut subtitled: A term paper assignment from the author of Slaughterhouse-Five. Vonnegut described how his course had changed over time and will no doubt continue changing. He summarized with a reference to advice he'd been given years ago: "Keep your hat on, we may end up miles from here." As soon as I read those words, that bolt of lightening hit. That statement captured what I know will be my experience as I write about and explore my own journey of taking my photography to the next level. It will be ever changing, so this title may not only be the caption of this blog, but the title to my story about learning how to market my photography and get it from my camera to the walls of my admirers, should I find that I have any.

Yesterday was Day 1 of blogging about marketing my photography. My writing was drab, my message unclear. I hope to get better at both. This winter will be my first stab at really taking my photography to the next level and getting paid for what I love doing. I've toyed with selling photos before, but only as a hobby at best. Now I'm shooting for the stars and writing about it.

Here's a short list of some starter questions I want answered:

Who is the best printer for putting photography on canvas, metal, and photo paper?Should I learn to cut my own mat board?What kind of mat cutter should I buy?What's the best company to buy mat board from?What are the best art fairs for my style of photography?How do I decide how many is a LIMITED EDITION?What's the most effective way to get into retail stores?Should I buy a booth at a merchandise mart?

I'm not big on business cards. I think the electronic age has made themnearly obsolete. But if I do print some up, I'm thinking of using this image.Any thoughts?

(If life had sound affects, what would inspiration sound like when it strikes? Perhaps, a blog for another time.)

"Wisdom ceases to be wisdom when it becomes too proud to weep, too grave to laugh, and too selfish to seek other than itself."Khalil Gibran

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